(StatePoint)

Your siding gives your home character and curb appeal while protecting it from the elements. To help you make sensible, stylish decisions, here are some fast facts about three popular varieties of siding.

  1. Board and batten. The use of board and batten vertical siding originated hundreds of years ago as a practical solution for covering the spaces between the boards on the exterior of a home or barn. Today, it portrays a rustic farmhouse style and handmade quality, but its strong vertical lines have modern appeal that can enhance many architectural styles, from popular Craftsman to timeless Victorian. The good news? New materials are blending this classic look with the modern engineering of high-performance super polymer vinyl siding to offer the best of both worlds. ProVia’s board and batten siding, for example, is low maintenance with a built-in weather barrier so you never have to paint, stain or caulk your home’s exterior. It’s also available in a range of colors, helping you achieve a one-of-a-kind look for your home.
  2. Shake and staggered shingle. Featured in American homebuilding since the 1600s, there are few other cladding options as distinctive and traditional as cedar shake and staggered shingle siding. If you love this look but are concerned about maintaining this kind of siding, you’re in luck. These days, certain manufacturers are preserving the authenticity of this look using engineered vinyl materials. The result? Greater durability and far superior moisture resistance.
  3. Insulated siding. If you’d like additional protection from extreme temperatures, impacts and even noises for greater peace of mind and comfort, insulated siding may be the right choice for you. Showcasing an authentic cedar woodgrain texture, CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding from ProVia is an example of siding providing a combination of beauty, durability and energy efficiency. It combines rigid foam EPS insulation with the manufacturer’s Super Polymer vinyl siding. Not only does the added foam insulation make this one of the most energy-efficient exterior claddings on the market, it may help reduce outside noise transmission by as much as 39%, according to a study conducted by a third-party test laboratory.

When you begin the process of shopping for house siding, it can feel overwhelming to identify which styles or colors you might want for your home. Get inspired by how other homeowners have styled their siding by visiting provia.com/siding/gallery.

Thankfully, it’s possible to make home exterior updates that add to both the beauty and functionality of your home. When replacing home siding, do a little research to get the style and color you want using materials that keep your home, and your household, safe and comfortable.